Napoli failed to take the opportunity to move into the top three of the Serie A table in midweek, and face the difficult task of moving up this weekend when they take on title contenders Roma.

Rafael Benitez's job was thought to be under threat earlier this season, but the former Liverpool boss has guided an unbeaten six-match record in Italy's top flight.

The seventh-placed side were close to taking nothing away from their clash against Atalanta BC on Wednesday evening until Gonzalo Higuain struck in the 86th minute to equalise.

Napoli had the chance to win the game when they were awarded a penalty in stoppage time, but the former Real Madrid man had his effort saved.

Last season, Napoli were beaten 2-0 by Roma on away turf, but managed to seal a 1-0 victory at home, which is the last time the two clubs faced each other.

For Roma, Rudi Garcia's side have emerged as title contenders due to having just one blemish on their league record so far after nine games - a 3-2 defeat to league leaders Juventus.

Despite losing to the Old Lady earlier this month, Roma are equal on 22 points with their rivals, and both clubs have plus 12 goals, but Garcia's side arguably have a tougher fixture against Napoli while Juve face Empoli, who are lingering above the relegation zone.

Mattia Destro and Daniele de Rossi found the scoresheet in Roma's 2-0 win over Cesena on Wednesday, and both are likely to keep their places for this weekend's encounter.

For the home side, Higuain and Jose Callejon are expected to provide the attacking threat on Saturday.

Recent form

Napoli: DWWDWD

Roma: WWLWDW

Possible starting lineups

Napoli: Rafael; Ghoulam, Koulibaly, Albiol, Maggio; Mertens, Hamsik, Inler, David Lopez; Callejon, Higuain

Roma: Skorupski; Torosidis, Manolas, Astori, Cole; Pjanic, De Rossi, Keita; Iturbe, Destro, Gervinho

Sports Mole says: 2-2